When properly taken care of, your teeth can easily last a lifetime. That being said, aging brings new concerns for your oral health. Some of these concerns include an increased risk of decay, loss of teeth, infections, gum disease, and oral cancer. Luckily, there are some ways to decrease the risk of these problems. Check out these tips for taking care of your teeth as you age.

Be Proactive

It’s always a good idea to be proactive when it comes to your oral health. You can make smart choices now to help prevent oral health issues down the road. Remember, preventative dental care starts at home. Brush your teeth at least two times every day and floss (or use a water flosser) once a day to reach all the areas of your teeth where plaque can build up. If you would like to learn more about this, the American Dental Association has an informative article about the importance of regular brushing and flossing. Also, consider making some changes to your diet. Avoid acidic and sugary foods and beverages and eat more high-fiber foods.

Make Sure You’re Covered

Unfortunately, Medicare does not currently cover routine dental appointments, unless you opt for Medicare Advantage. Don’t let that stop you from getting the care that you need to make are your teeth are healthy. Luckily, there are ways to cover your costs. One option is to buy dental coverage through organizations such as AARP. They offer individual coverage with a range of benefits that may be perfect for what you need. If this doesn’t feel like the right fit for you, you could apply for Care Credit. This is a credit card you can benefit from with special dental financing options. Check with our office to make sure that this is an option for you. Finally, talk with a member of our team if you are concerned about making your dental care affordable. We can give you suggestions on what coverage would be best for you based on your financial and oral-health needs.

See Your Dentist

Our final recommendation is to regularly visit our office. As you age, the nerve canals in your teeth become smaller, which means they are less sensitive. This makes cavities harder to catch early on. Visiting our office twice a year for a cleaning and exam will help you stay ahead of tooth decay before it turns into a bigger problem. Dr. Abrams and the Downtown Franklin Family Dentistry team will make sure that your teeth are healthy and clean at each visit.

Follow these tips to make sure that your teeth remain beautiful and healthy. You can schedule a visit on our website via our contact form or give us a call at 615-595-6111. We look forward to seeing you soon and helping you obtain optimal oral health.